Kiwi Contact Tours

Throughout breeding season of 2023 - 2024 , the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow run by Save the Kiwi NZ on the Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Kids Greening Taupõ was visited 22 times through the Kiwi Contact Program. The Kiwi Contact Program, made possible through funding from Contact Energy, aims to enlighten the rangatahi of Taupō about the endemic kiwi bird and the crucial conservation endeavors tied to its existence. Additionally, it seeks to foster an appreciation for the cultural significance of this cherished bird. Our appreciation goes to Contact Energy for their generous support in bringing this initiative to fruition. Special thanks also to Helen, Kelsi, and Kim the Save the Kiwi kiwi keepers for graciously sharing their knowledge with us.

For several years now, Contact Energy has generously supported school tours through the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow managed by Save the Kiwi NZ on the Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary. These tours are consistently in high demand among the Taupō schools and are immensely enjoyed by the rangatahi who participate. It was long overdue for a team from Contact to experience the tour themselves. Led by Kelsi, they were treated to a firsthand view of a baby kiwi chick within the burrow. Following this, the groundskeeper guided them through the back 9, where they encountered two of the fourteen tākahe that reside on the golf course. Additionally, a pair of kārearea graced them with a captivating aerial display. Although New Zealand's fastest flying bird proved too swift for photographs, their regal presence was deeply appreciated. We at Kids Greening Taupō appreciate funders like Contact that enable us share Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity with the rangitahi of Taupō.

Every excursion to the Gallagher Insurance New Zealand Kiwi burrow leads to new discoveries and learnings. Often grazing tākahe are seen while walking to the burrow. The rangatahi are astounded by the sheer size of the kiwi egg as they gently hold it in their hands, marveling also at the softness of actual kiwi feathers. Certain groups had the privilege of encountering a specially trained Kiwi Conservation dog, adept at locating kiwi once they are released into the bush. Additionally, the Kiwi Keepers routinely talk with the eggs to assess the health of the chick before it hatches. The rangatahi are taken aback when they witness an egg rolling and hear the faint cheeping of the baby chick in response to the kiwi keeper's whistles, while still nestled in its shell. While the tour offers numerous memorable moments, the true highlight is the opportunity to view a real-life kiwi chick. These adorable balls of fluff never fail to capture the hearts of the students and adults alike as the chicks undergo a health check and are carefully presented to each person, allowing everyone to appreciate them up close. This was a once in a lifetime experience for most these students and we are all grateful for the work of Save the Kiwi NZ. Thank you again to the support of Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary for housing the Gallagher Insurance New Zealand Kiwi burrow and for the support of Department of Conservation. These tours would not be possible without the generous funding from Contact Energy, for which we are immensely thankful..